Polk County Extension Updates: Idalia

As Idalia leaves our area, see the following storm-related updates from our office. You’ll find extension program and event updates, storm prep and recovery resources, and local resources here.

Stay tuned to your local news channels and Polk County Emergency Management for updates.

This page was last updated: Wednesday, August 30 at 4:15 PM and will not be updated again.

Office Hours:

At this time, our office and meeting spaces are open as usual. This is subject to change, please check back for updates.

  • The Master Gardener Plant Clinic is closed to in-person visits on Wednesday, August 30, but can accept inquiries via email and voicemail. Phone: (863) 519-1057; email: polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

Polk County Public Schools has announced that schools and district offices will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30, and Thursday, Aug. 31. After-school activities on Tuesday, August 29, have been canceled. Find more information on Polk County Schools closures, here: https://polkschoolsfl.com/category/storminformation/

After the Storm Recovery Resources:

 

 

Past updates to the blog are included, below. This information may not be complete and may be out-dated. Please check with your local municipality if you have need of these resources and need the most-up to date information!


Pre-Storm Resources

Emergency Shelters

For information on emergency shelters, visit the Polk County website at: https://www.polk-county.net/emergency-management/find-a-shelter 

Please do not proceed to any shelter until you have confirmed that it is open and operating.

Storm Preparation:

Citizens Information Phone Line:

Radio Broadcasts:

  • Radio Primary Emergency Broadcast System Stations:
    WONN 1230 AM and 107.1 FM
    WPCV 97.5 FM
  • En Español:
    WIPC (Lake Wales) 1280AM
    WQXM (Bartow) 1460AM and 99.9FM
    WTWB (Auburndale) 1570AM and 92.7FM

Sandbag Sites:

Polk County is making sandbags available throughout the county at Roadway Maintenance Units.

  • Polk County has announced pre-filled sandbag stations:
    • Residents will be required to show proof of residency (Driver’s License, ID card, etc) and can collect up to 10 sandbags per residence. Sandbags are pre-filled and ready for pickup.
    • Locations below will be open Monday from 8 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, August 29, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m
      • Mulberry – 900 NE 5th St., Mulberry, (863) 519-4734
      • Lakeland – 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland (863) 815-6701
      • Fort Meade – 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade (863) 285-6588
      • Frostproof – 350 County Road 630A, Frostproof (863) 635-7879
      • Auburndale – 1701 Holt Road, Auburndale (863) 965-5524
      • Dundee – 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee, (863) 421-3367
      • Poinciana Park – 5109 Allegany Road, Kissimmee 34759

 

Below, find sandbag site announcements from various municipalities in Polk. Please check with your local municipality for the latest updates.


 

  • Auburndale has announced self-serve sandbag sites:
    • Monday: Open until 8PM; Tuesday: Open 9:00 AM – close
    • Auburndale Fire Department at 100 Ariana Avenue
    • 10 bag maximum, self-serve
  • Davenport has announced self-serve sandbag sites:
  • Haines City has announced self-serve sandbag sites:
  • Lake Alfred has announced a sandbag distribution site:
    • 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday.
      • behind the tennis courts on E. Pomelo Street
      • across the street from the public library on Seminole Avenue.
    • 10 Bag Limit
    • For more information, please call the Public Works Department at (863) 298-5458.
  • Lake Wales has announced a sandbag distribution process:
    • Step #1: Stop by Lake Wales Fire Department to pick up 10 free empty sandbags. (253 W. Central Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853)
    • Step #2: Head to the sand pile at Lake Wailes Park to fill your sandbags. (Main entrance of Lake Wailes Park)
    • You must bring your own shovel. First come, first serve basis.
  • Winter Haven has announced self-serve sandbag sites:
    • Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Tuesday: 8:00 AM – Close
    • Lake Maude Recreation Park: 1751 7th St. NE, Winter Haven, 33881  – 7th Street Entrance
    • Residents will be required to show proof of Winter Haven address (Driver’s License will be checked)
    • Learn more here: https://www.mywinterhaven.com/storm/
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Avatar photoAvatar photoAvatar photoHeadshot of Julie Schelb, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.
Posted: August 27, 2023


Category: Disaster Preparation
Tags: Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Prep, Hurricane Preparedness, Idalia, Special-topics, Tropical Storm Idalia


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